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Aston Villa dealt Nakamba injury blow

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BY ASHLEY PREECE

 

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Steven Gerrard has confirmed that two Aston Villa players have now tested positive for Covid-19 with the pair remaining nameless ahead of tomorrow’s fixture with Norwich.

 

Gerrard will also be without the injured Marvelous Nakamba for the trip to Carrow Road after the Zimbabwe international  picked up a knee problem in the defeat to Liverpool.

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“Yes (he’s out) unfortunately,” Gerrard said. “He received an injury in the game against Liverpool and we sent him for an MRI scan, which has come back and it’s not good news so the idea is to send him to a specialist on Tuesday.

“We’ll know more in terms of the damage in terms of what we need to do moving forward.

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“The news sitting here right not is not good regarding Marvelous  who’s been outstanding in his performances so far.

 

“He’ll see a specialist on Tuesday for a knee injury.”

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With Leon Bailey and Betrand Traore  still out with their muscle problems, Villa’s missing list is beginning to stack up for Gerrard given the double Covid blow ahead of kick-off against Norwich.

 

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On the club’s Covid situation, Gerrard said: “We’ve got a couple of (positive) cases on the playing side and we’ve got a couple of cases on the staff side.

 

“Due to medical confidentiality, I’m obviously not going to reveal any names but, yeah, that’s not what we wanted.

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“We’ll have to deal with the situation and adapt. From a playing point of view, there will be an opportunity for others to come in and help us.

“We’ll try and prepare the best way that we can for tomorrow night’s game and we wish those with positive cases in the last 24 hours well.

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Christian Purslow, Villa’s CEO, held a meeting at Bodymoor Heath this morning in a bid to step up Covid protocol measures following four positive tests amongst staff and players.

Gerrard added: “We’ve got a big squad here that we’ll have to use. Everyone has to be ready because this Covid situation looks like it’s going downhill rather than going in a positive direction.

“Everyone has been told this morning to be ready and to be switched on ready to play. We’ve also reminded them of the protocols and guidelines that are in place.

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“We have got a really high double-jabbed rate at the club. I’m sure that will be the case with the booster situation. I’ll be having mine in the next few days.

“From a managerial situation, we have to adapt and deal with the current situation which means sometimes you can’t name squads and teams, because during the testing process, there could be positive or negative tests.

“We have to be ready to adapt.”

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Villa, meanwhile, uploaded a clip from training this morning with Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia, Axel Tuanzebe and Keinan Davis involved, as were under-23 players Lamare Bogarde, Aaron Ramsey and left-back Ben Chrisene. – Birmingham Mail

 

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Parliamentary caucus calls for Unemployment Benefit Scheme for young athletes

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

In a session of the Zimbabwean Parliament on Tuesday, Stanley Sakupwanya, Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Youth Affairs, urged the government to implement an Unemployment Benefit Scheme specifically for former athletes who represented Zimbabwe on the global stage.

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His address highlighted the challenges faced by young sportspeople who forgo education and career opportunities to pursue their athletic dreams, only to find themselves without support once their sporting careers conclude.

Sakupwanya began his remarks by celebrating the recent certification of the National Sports Stadium by the Confederation of African Football, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the sports sector. However, he expressed concern about the broader needs of young people participating in various sports, noting the lack of adequate support and resources.

“While we commend the initiatives focused on football, it’s critical to remember that our youth engage in many disciplines,” Sakupwanya said.

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He pointed out that athletes often sacrifice their education and well-being at an early age, with a 29-year-old athlete facing retirement instead of the traditional educational opportunities available to their peers.

He painted a vivid picture of the struggles faced by these young athletes, stating, “When they shine on international platforms, they return home only to encounter a void. Their accolades fail to translate into sustainable opportunities or support.”

Sakupwanya emphasized that without a structured program like the Unemployment Benefit Scheme, these individuals risk falling into poverty or becoming susceptible to drug abuse due to inactivity and economic hardship.

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His proposal called for the Ministry of Finance to prioritize an Unemployment Benefit Scheme in the upcoming 2026 Budget Strategy Paper, which would serve as a critical safety net for athletes transitioning to civilian life, enabling them to rebuild and reintegrate into society successfully.

In a supportive response, David Mnangagwa, the deputy Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion, acknowledged the validity of the call for such a scheme. He expressed his commitment to advancing discussions on employment benefits tailored towards youth development and sports, indicating the government’s readiness to explore solutions that uplift young athletes.

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Rest In peace ‘Fire’: Tendai Ndoro passes away

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BY SOCCER LADUMA

The football fraternity is mourning the sad passing of former Orlando Pirates and Zimbabwe international striker Tendai Ndoro, who has died after a long battle with illness.

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Ndoro, affectionately known as ‘Fire’ during his playing days, lit up stadiums across South Africa and beyond with his clinical finishing and charismatic presence on the field. He was 40 years old.

“Yes, unfortunately he was found dead in his apartment here in South Africa. I am still in communication with someone close to his family,” confirmed a close source.

A prolific career across Africa and abroad

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Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Ndoro rose to prominence with Chicken Inn in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, where his eye for goal earned him widespread recognition. His exploits soon took him to Mzansi, joining Mpumalanga Black Aces before sealing a move to Orlando Pirates in 2015.

At Pirates, Ndoro became a fan favourite, delivering memorable performances in the famous black and white jersey. During his time at the Buccaneers, he scored some crucial goals, including some memorable ones, that cemented his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in the PSL.

Following his successful spell in Soweto, Ndoro’s career saw him venture abroad with Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly, before returning to Mzansi with Ajax Cape Town and Highlands Park.

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On the international stage, Ndoro represented Zimbabwe’s Warriors, earning caps between 2013 and 2017, including an appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Health battles in later years

After hanging up his boots, Ndoro’s health became a major concern. In recent years, he suffered serious complications, including reported temporary blindness and a sharp decline in his physical condition, which worried the football community. Despite undergoing treatment and even speaking positively about recovery following surgery earlier this year, Ndoro’s battle sadly came to an end.

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Remembering Fire

Tributes have already begun pouring in from former teammates, clubs, and fans who remember Ndoro not only for his goals but also for the passion and flair he brought to the game.

Ndoro’s story is one of immense talent, resilience, and a career that inspired many young footballers in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He will be remembered as a striker who, at his peak, could change a game in an instant.

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May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind.

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Zimparks, VFWT join forces to rescue snared elephant

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A dramatic rescue operation was carried out last week by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), to save a young female elephant from a wire snare.

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According to a statement posted by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust on Facebook:

“Last week, we received an urgent call from Zimparks about a young female elephant in distress—a wire snare was tightly wrapped around her mouth and tusks.”

The elephant was spotted near Masuwe Lodge, where her herd was peacefully drinking at the waterhole. Acting swiftly, the trust’s team carefully separated the distressed elephant from her herd and darted her, allowing them to remove the snare and collect vital health samples.

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Thankfully, the wire hadn’t cut deeply, and the young elephant was soon back on her feet, reunited with her family.

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust expressed gratitude to Zimparks and Adrian Read for their dedication to protecting wildlife, saying:

“Thank you to Zimparks and Adrian Read for their dedication to protecting our wildlife.”

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